Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little

Discussion in 'Whatever' started by xSuicide Squadx, Dec 27, 2022.

  1. xSuicide Squadx

    xSuicide Squadx Super Deformed

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Via the Lulubell IG page: It is with heavy heart, and with @phuntsy's permission that I make this post today. I don't really have the words today but lIl do my best. Everyone's friend in sofubi, Connell aka @phuntsy has entered into hospice care due to a now very fast moving terminal cancer. He is still with us but is unable to see much, so he can't answer messages and he's pretty exhausted. He's been making jokes and enjoying some short visits and calls this week. Please help us celebrate his life now by posting any photos or memories you have with him. Use the hashtag #phuntsyridesforever (or leave a comment below) and we will read Connell your posts as he feels up to it.

    WE LOVE YOU, CONNELL!!!

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  2. hellointerloper

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Oh my god, I am so very sorry to hear this! I was literally thinking about him the other day, back when someone made him into a meme about “geriatric emos” or something silly like that on FB. I made sure to comment what a cool guy he was.
    I wondered what he was up to these days.
    It’s so sad to hear this is happening. I have a lot of respect for the guy.
     
  3. andy

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    One of the truly wonderful people I've met through the hobby. Connell, thanks so much for brightening the world with your light and smile. We're here with you, buddy.
     
  4. Brooklyn_Vinyl

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Thanks for sharing this here Robert. I never had the pleasure of meeting Connell in person but he has so inspired me both as a collector and just a human being. Age is just a number and Connell is forever young.
     
  5. xSuicide Squadx

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    @Brooklyn_Vinyl Of course! Connell is and forever will be such a big part of this community and he more than deserves his place here to br immortalized. I will say that despite his current state he is still in somewhat bright spirits and extremely appreciative for the outpouring of love and support being shown to him. It’s keeping him both elevated and comforted. When I stopped by to visit today he lit up quite a bit at the idea of photos and and he completely worked it. So great to see him smile the way he does.
     
  6. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    I am really sad to hear this news about Connell. Not just because he was such a great member of this community but because he was such a truly warm and awesome person. While I never had the fortune to meet Connell in the 'real world' we shared some excellent conversations and it was always a pleasure to speak with someone so full of life and passion... and let's face it, a love of crazy weirdo toys that we all share. And I don't think it is many people who can hold up the claim of being immortalised in a radical sofubi form, but could not happen to a more worthy dude. 5.We sincerely love you Connell, and wish you nothing but the very best. Ride on, my soldier, ride on.
     
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  7. The Moog

    The Moog Die-Cast

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    The legendary Plastichunter!

    Connell and his collection photos were a major inspiration to me, back when I started a RxH collection (the first sofubi I properly started to collect). The man has impeccable taste in toys and always had kind and positive vibes to share on this chatboard. Along with a great sense of humour!

    I've also followed his adventure with tattoo's. He has the most sofubi related tattoo art on a collector, ever. Surely? Talk about dedication and love for this hobby.

    He took my recommendation for a marmit toy once, and it felt like I'd finally been accepted. I'm very glad to hear brainers that know him personally are helping to make his final days as comfortable as possible.

    He helped me see that age should never be a barrier. Follow your passions, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Enjoy yourself. Life is short.
     
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  8. GERMS

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    I remember when Connell got his first tatts. I probably wont remember correctly but I think it was RXH (or Gargamel? it doesnt matter they’re both great and so are the tatts on his hand.) And I commented on his new ‘tuff stickers’ and he posted on here a large pic of his tatted hand flipping me off ;) I had to explain it was just an aussie term of endearment for tattoos and I think he mellowed. But it shows Connells no steps back, no fucks attitude. I was immensely impressed and inspired by him getting those tatts at his age. I still am, even more so seeing his new ones! Tuff as fuck Connell I tip my hat.

    And yes love his taste in toys and always enjoyed when he posted here back in the day. They were good toy times. Also want to mention Im proud to own and cherish the first blank lavender version Space Connell toy (sculptor name escapes me right atm sorry) that I bought off the lads at its first release at at Fest in Japan a few years back. With its sweet swivelling Connell faces 8)8).

    Thanks for all the inspiration Plastichunter.
    We at SB salute you.
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2022
  9. Anti Social Andy

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    I remember sitting with him in the 'Tilted Kilt' (long defunct, totally non politically correct SD bar with girls in very short 'tilted kilts') around 2008 maybe, as he proudly lined up his days Comic Con purchases along the full length of the bar.

    So much crap vinyl . . . but he loved 'em all! :lol:
     
    Last edited: Dec 28, 2022
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  10. blakewest

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Right at the beginning of the pandemic, I helped my ex-wife through hospice care and her passing due to cancer. (We were on good terms and have a daughter together.) I was next to her when she took her last breath. Having loving friends around her through those last weeks was everything to her. And I was privileged to help make those last few days as comfortable as possible.

    I have never met Connell, but he clearly has made other's lives better. It's really great he has a community around him to support him now. It's a gift to be able to help someone find peace in their last days. Love and respect to everyone standing with Connell.
     
  11. paulk

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Wishing you peace and sending you love, Connell. Thank you for sharing your passion for these weird toys we all can't get enough of here on sb through the years. Never met you in person, but you've always seemed like a good guy and you're an inspiration to a lot of us. Much love, Paul
     
  12. 3wing

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Connell was always incredibly kind to me.
    One of my first supporters, taking the time to talk to me, with a wealth of knowledge and passion.

    Truly a cornerstone of our community.
    My heart goes out to both Connell, and all of his friends and family.
     
  13. Vombie

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Oh wow, this is such sad news. Connell has been such a stand-up guy here —and has helped me out many a time with my RxH obsession. I enjoyed his art on his IG page as well. I would’ve been so good to have met him—seems like such a real dude. Definitely planted seeds on how I want to live my life by just existing. An example.

    May he find his peace.

    g
     
  14. JoeMan

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    I only met him once at TAG when he was still living in LA. He told me and my wife of his plans to move to Arizona. I think he is a masterclass in finding your identity and living a life in accord with it. Truly something to admire and a thing not many of us ever totally achieve.
     
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  15. xSuicide Squadx

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Connell’s constant positive and creative nature has always been such a welcome vortex of warmth in Arizona. Such a gem and more full of life than just about anyone I’ve ever met. The stories, support, knowledge, kindness; never ending with this man. The one thing that sticks with me most is when he gifted me an insanely bad ass marbled Kumon. I thought he just wanted me to photograph it for him so I asked when he wanted it back by. He said, “Oh no, kid, that’s for you!” Shocked and moderately choked up I exclaimed “Really?!” He snaps back “Why the fuck are you always so surprised when someone does something nice for you???” Then he laughed and hugged me. Unbelievably selfless human being for the sake of seeing others smile.
     
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  16. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    It's these very stories, as you and others have shared, Robert, that highlight how great of a person Connell is, and how much he touched people in this community, in both large and small ways. I was thinking back fondly on memories of him and Connell's contributions to this place all day yesterday. Seeing Brian's post about his birthday celebration really hit home, as it was something I remembered following from afar and thinking what a curious and great time it was. Connell is one of the biggest kids in this place, and never ceased doing just what was true to him, no matter the circumstance. We can all take a lesson from the way to properly live a life - not to mention one lengthy and filled with joie de vivre.

    As with any group of adults, the longer you are part of this community it is inevitable you will experience the loss of some members, and we have very sadly had to say goodbye to some great ones over the years. But the outpouring of love, thoughts, memories, and just friendship for Connell - for anyone that is new here and might not immediately recognise the name - is just a sign of how, while just a single man, he always had time for friends and strangers alike. He is honest, straight up, and loves toys. And he was always willing to share that with people new and old. What more could you ask of anyone in a community. Not trying to blow fluff either, as that is not the way Connell is or has ever been. He'd tell you what he thought, in full expectation that you could take it as you wanted or leave it, which is just the way he was and how he would have done to something said to him. I have a lot of respect for that. And through it all was a kindness coming from experience, someone who's seen it and knows exactly what it is in life that really matters.

    In short, for people that didn't know him, Connell was an OG, if that label can ever be applied to anyone in this place.

    Toys are just things, and life is temporary, but people like Connell have made both of those things better for a lot of people. Stay strong, Phuntsy. All those parts of your life you've shared with us are the very same connections that are now there, stretching out across this little floating rock, behind you to hold you up.
     
  17. cyberann

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Connell, I wish I could have met you in person in one of those fun toy events you took part in. It was always fun to read your posts here on skullbrain, and IG. You're a beautiful, talented and inspiring guy and I will forever treasure the unique opportunity of following your art & toy adventures. Sending all my love to you, family & friends.
     
  18. michael

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    connell is a true beacon of light and originality, an inspiration to live life to the fullest. my thoughts are with him and his loved ones.
     
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  19. maxaltoman

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Although I never met him in person, i respect his love for this hobby.
    Sending my thoughts to Phuntsy & family.
     
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  20. hellopike

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    I got to meet Connell once; in 2018 when I made it out to Dcon. I recognized him from pictures early on the first day and when I introduced myself he lit up like a bulb. We took a picture two together but sadly I seem to have lost them in the intervining years. We talked briefly as I think he was running to line for one release, and I was running to lineup for a different one. In the hectic scramble of the weekend I didn’t cross paths with him again; but I wish I had. He was so full of energy. He’s always been a source of positivity in this scene and the community lessened without him.
     
  21. xSuicide Squadx

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Connell Update: Read with sensitivity!

    I visited Connell earlier today. He also had the TAG crew and Carl here to come see him, as well as John Dollar $lice Bootleg. He’s very aware of everyone and everything going on around him, and when he’s awake he revels in the good vibes and positivity of friends being there and speaking with him. Carl brought along one of his pugs, Lily, and her and Connell are cuddle buddies. For now he’s been resting plenty and wakes up for a minimal conversation. Connell had so many requests for visitors but didn’t have enough energy to see everyone that asked or that he wanted. At a certain point this week he began to politely request no additional visitors so he could continue to rest. Thank you to everyone who’s reached out, we’re doing our best to respect his feelings and wishes. He is unfortunately steadily declining, but he’s hangin’ tight.
     
  22. Roger

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    I don't normally comment on threads like this when I don't personally know the person being discussed, but in the past week, two separate groups of collector and artist friends I keep in touch with mentioned Connell. Some of them met him in person, others only had contact with him through the internet, but everyone had wonderful things to say about their interactions. Reading those conversations and everyone's words here, there is no doubt that he's had a profound and positive impact on everyone he knew. I'm so sorry that he is going through this, and my thoughts are with all of you who will miss him.
     
  23. MisterYuck

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    I've never met Connell, I've never chatted with Connell, but the amount of responses and love this man has received within and around this community is staggering to say the least. Really shows you what kind of person he is. I wish I could have met him myself and I truly hope his legacy lives on within this community of collectors and artists. <3
     
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  24. xSuicide Squadx

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    Connell passed peacefully in his sleep around 1:00 a.m. this morning. He was in company of friends/loved ones. This man earned his spot in this community, left his mark forever, and has now more than earned his rest. Rest in Plastic, Connell. We’ll miss you. <3
     
  25. dago

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    Phuntsy Rides Forever - Rest in Plastic: Connell Little
    RIP my friend Connell, you are in a better place now. You definitely will be missed :cry: Lots of good memories
     

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